Power transmitting mechanism

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a power transmitting mechanism having three main parts: a base annular structure rotatable about its axis, a rotatable secondary structure contiguous to the base structure, and a non-rotating stationary housing contiguous to at least one of the base and secondary structures. The secondary structure is optionally rotatable in common with the base structure. One of the structures is identified as a master structure; and this structure includes hydraulic chamber means, hydraulicallyresponsive means having a wall in communication with that chamber means, and coupling means actuated by the hydraulicallyresponsive means. The coupling means is actuatable during continuous rotation of the base structure to interlock the secondary structure to the base structure for common rotation with the base structure. It is actuatable during continuous rotation of the base structure to disengage the secondary structure from the aforesaid interlocked condition. The stationary housing includes hydraulic conduit means extending therethrough with one end of the conduit in sealed communication with the hydraulic chamber of the master structure to permit transfer of hydraulic fluid through the conduit to or from the chamber of the master structure during rotation of the rotatable parts. The mechanism includes a hydraulic control switch means for moving hydraulic fluid through the conduit of the stationary housing to or from the chamber of the master structure. A flexible hydraulic conduit connection is provided between the control switch means and the conduit of said stationary housing. Equipped with propeller fins, the device is useful for fitting to the power shaft of water craft motors for propulsion.

DuFrene Mar. 12, 1974 POWER TRANSMITTING MECHANISM Inventor: Clement O.DuFrene, Cottage Grove, Minn.

Assignee: Gordon Rosenmeier, Little Falls, Minn. a part interest Filed:Mar. 9, 1972 Appl. N01; 233,058

U.S. C1 416/124, 416/169, 192/85 Primary Examiner-Everette A. Powell,Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmRobert C. Baker [57] ABSTRACT Disclosed is apower transmitting mechanism having three main parts: a base annularstructure rotatable about its axis, a rotatable secondary structurecontiguous to the base structure, and a non-rotating stationary housingcontiguous to at least one of the base and secondary structures. Thesecondary structure is optionally rotatable in common with the basestructure.

One of the structures is identified as a master structure; and thisstructure includes hydraulic chamber means, hydraulically-responsivemeans having a wall in communication with that chamber means, andcoupling means hydraulically-responsive means. The coupling means isactuatable during continuous rotation of the base structure to interlockthe secondary structure to the base structure for common rotation withthe base structure. It is actuatable during continuous rotation of thebase structure to disengage the secondary structure from the aforesaidinterlocked condition. The stationary housing includes hydraulic conduitmeans extending therethrough with one end of the conduit in sealedcommunication with the hydraulic chamber of the master structure topermit transfer of hydraulic fluid through the conduit to or from thechamber of the master structure during rotation of the rotatable parts.The mechanism includes a hydraulic control switch means for movinghydraulic fluid through the conduit of the stationary housing to or fromthe chamber of the master structure. A flexible hydraulic conduitconnection is provided between the control switch means and the conduitof said stationary housing. Equipped with propeller fins, the

craft motors for propulsion.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 7 e r: 54 6662 Z;

46 3/ 2 63 T'C: I I E 9/ I 0 l7 ease 50 L56 53 5/ r 6/ 2573 2 16 /W I I4/0 j a9 actuated by the POWER TRANSMITTING MECHANISM This inventionrelates to an improved power transmitting mechanism especially useful tochange the effective motion or thrust of a rotating assembly withoutchanging the speed of rotation of the main power shaft for the assembly.The invention more particularly relates to a new propulsion deviceincorporating the improved'power transmitting mechanism and adapted tobe mounted on the propeller power shaft of water craft.

There are occasions when a user of powered water craft, whether poweredby an inboard or outboard motor, desires the maximum forward thrust ofwhich his power plant and propeller assembly is capable, and otheroccasions when the user desires a bare minimum of effective forwardthrust or movement for the water craft. While complex gearing andshifting mechanisms may be incorporated in a power train to permit oneto sired for trolling by fishermen) can sometimes present problems ofengine fouling or unreliable performance, especially where the motor orengine lacks complex gearing but has the necessary horsepower to givethe forward thrust required for waterskiers and the like.

This invention provides an extraordinarily simple power transmittingmechanism which may be fitted to the powered rotatable axis shaft orpropeller shaft of an outboard (or inboard) motor to provide a meanswhereby the forward thrust imparted to a boat or other water craft maybe greatly altered while maintaining a uniform rotation of the propellerpower shaft itself. The power transmitting mechanism may be fitted toany suitable propeller power shaft of a power plant with relative easeand economy, without the necessity of making any special modificationsto the power plant. No complex metal mechanical control linkages betweenthe power transmitting mechanism and an operator control area or panelare needed.

Thus, the need to maintain such linkages in proper respective positionsand in proper repair for reliable operation is capable of being totallyobviated or avoided by practice of this invention. Nevertheless, theinvention permits an operator at a control switch or device to effectsubstantial changes in power thrust from i a rotating power shaft whilemaintaining the shaft at a uniform rate of rotation; and the inventiondoes not interfere with the gaining of maximum power thrust from arotating power or propeller shaft by increasing the rate of its rotationby increasing engine speed.

The improved power transmitting mechanism of this invention comprisestwo rotatable structures. One structure is a base annular structurehaving an axis of rotation. The base structure is adapted to be fittedto a powered rotatable axis shaft for continuous rotation with theshaft. The other rotatable structure is a secondary structure contiguousto the base structure and annularly encompassing the axis of rotationfor the base structure. This secondary structure is optionally rotatablein common with the base structure.

One of these structures is characterized as a master structure. Themaster structure includes a hydraulic chamber means, ahydraulically-responsive means in communication with that chamber means,and .coupling means actuated by the hydraulically-responsive means. Thecoupling means is actuatable during continuous rotation of the baseannular structure to interlock the secondary structure to the basestructure for common rotation with the base structure. It is actuatableduring continuous rotation of the base annular structure to disengagethe secondary structure from the aforesaid interlocked condition.

In addition, the power transmitting mechanism includes a non-rotatingstationary housing contiguous to at least one of the aforenotedstructures, either the base annular structure or the secondarystructure, preferably contiguous to the base annular structure. Thenonrotating stationary housing annularly encompasses the axis ofrotation forthe structures. This stationary housing includes hydraulicconduit means extending through it with one end of the conduit means insealed communication with the hydraulic chamber means of the masterstructure (which preferably is the base annular structure) so as topermit transfer of hydraulic fluid through the stationary housing to andfrom the chamber means of the master structure during rotation of eitheror both the base annular structure and the secondary structure. In thisway, hydraulic fluid is used to control the coupling means forinterlocking and unlocking the secondary structure to the basestructure.

A hydraulic control switch means is useful for the purpose of movinghydraulic fluid through the conduit means of the stationary housing toand from the hydraulic chamber means of the master structure. A closedhydraulic system is useful; and no special pump means is needed forfeeding the hydraulic fluid into and out of the hydraulic chamber of themaster structure. Hand pressure on the control switch is sufficient; thefull effective hydraulic control of the mechanism is possible with onlyextremely small hydraulic fluid movement, even possibly as little asabout a cubic centimeter or the like. i

A flexible hydraulic conduit connection extends between the controlswitch means and the conduit means of the stationary housing. Generally,the entrance end of the conduit or passage within the stationary housing(that is, the end not in sealed communication with the hydraulic chamberof the master structure) is equipped with a fitting of some sortpermitting easy attachment of a flexible hydraulic conduit or hose toit. Likewise, the hydraulic control switch means is equipped with such afitting.

As applied to a device for mounting upon the propeller power shaft for awater craft engine or motor, it is the rotatable secondary structurewhich will almost invariably comprise a hub member equipped withpropeller fins projecting radially therefrom. However, powertransmitting mechanisms for the propulsion of water craft also suitablyand preferably include a base annular structure having a hub member withpropeller fins projecting radially therefrom.

A feature of the base annular structure of the mechanism is that itcomprises a sleeve member; and this sleeve member is adapted to besnugly fitted over the 3 propeller power shaft of an outboard motor andlocked for rotation therewith as by a shear key. Preferably both thesecondary structure and the stationary housing are, at least in part,radially contiguous (as distinguished from being axially contiguous) tothe sleeve member of the base annular structure.

Further, the stationary housing suitably includes a second hydraulicconduit means extending through it; and the master structure includes asecond or auxiliary conduit passage for hydraulic fluid. The auxiliaryconduit passage for hydraulic fluid in the master structure forms aconnection with the side of the hydraulicallyresponsive means oppositeto that of the wall of that hydraulically-responsive means incommunication with the chamber'means of the master structure. The secondhydraulic conduit means of the stationary housing is in sealedcommunication with the auxiliary conduit passage of the master structureto permit transfer of hydraulic fluid through the second hydraulicconduit means to and from the opposite side of thehydraulically-responsive means during rotation of either rotatablestructure of the mechanism.

The invention will further be described with the aid of a drawing made apart hereof wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view, partially broken away, of apropeller assembly incorporating the power transmitting mechanism ofthis invention, the cross-section being taken along the axis of thepower shaft for the device;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic cross-sectional veiw's through the powertransmitting mechanism taken on lines 22 and 33, respectively, of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic end view of an adaptor fitting for the mechanismhereof, the showing in the Figure being that which one would gain bylooking at the adaptor fitting at approximately line 4--4 of FIG. I

after removal of the stationary housing from the device shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view, partially broken away, of a control switchmeans; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross section taken on line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

Referring to. the drawing, the power transmitting mechanism 10 comprisesthree main parts: a base annular structure 11, a rotatable secondarystructure 12,

and a non-rotatable stationary housing 13.

The base annular structure 11 hasan axis of rotation; that is, itrotates about an axis. It is adapted to be fitted to a powered rotatableaxis shaft 14 for continuous rotation with shaft 14. A significant partof the base annular structure 1 1 is a sleeve member 15 which fitssnugly upon the axis shaft 14 (or may be unitary therewith), andsuitably is locked for rotation therewith by a shear pin 16. A threadednut cap suitably may be threadly fastened on cooperative threads at theouter end of the axis shaft 14 to hold the sleeve 15 on shaft 14, evenin the base sleeve part 15 of it. Optionally, an annular secondarystructure 12 may be located axially contiguous to the base structure (oraxially contiguous to most of the base structure). This secondarystructure includes a hub-like part 21 with radially outward propellerfins 22 thereon. A feature of the secondary structure 12 is that it maybe optionally rotated in common with the base structure 11; but it maybe disengaged from such rotation in common with the base structure 11.

Either the rotatable base annular structure 11 or the rotatablesecondary structure 12 is characterized as a master structure. As shownin FIG. 1, the base annular structure 11 is the master structure. Themaster structure includes a hydraulic chamber means 23 as a criticalpart thereof. This chamber 23 may take a variety of forms; and indeed,more than one hydraulic chamber means may be present. A second suchchamber 24 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Generally, at least two hydraulicchambers are employed, although the critical point is that at least onemust be present. Optionally, even three or four or more may be present,with the most practical upper limit being not in excess of about four.

Within the hydraulic chamber means 23 and 24 of the master structure isa hydraulically-responsive means 25 and 26 having a wall 91 and 92 incommunication with the chamber means 23 and 24 of that master structure.A practical hydraulically-responsive means 25 and 26 suitably consistsof a piston-like member 25 and 26, or a diaphram like member, or anyother suitable hydraulically moveable member capable of being displacedin response to hydraulic forces applied thereagainst.

A coupling means 27 and 28 is actuated by the hydraulically-responsivemeans 25 and 26; and this coupling means suitably may consist of apin-like projection 27 and 28 from the hydraulically-responsive means orpiston 25 and 26. The pin 27' and 28 may be quite large and resemble ashaft projection. It may be round, square, or otherwise incross-sectional configuration transverse to its length. Optionally, thecoupling means may comprise a gear structure for intermeshing with agear of the coupled member; or the coupling means may take any suitablealternate form.

The coupling means 27 and 28 is actuatable during continuous rotation ofthe master or base structure 11 to effect an interlocking of thesecondary structure 12 to the base structure 11 for common rotation withthe base structure. Further, this coupling means or pin 27 or 28 isactuatable during continuous rotation of the master (or base) structure1 l for disengagement of the secondary structure 12 from the aforesaidinterlocked condition. In the view shown in FIG. 1, a coupling means orpin 27 or 28 is shown in the substantially (but partially) interlockedcondition with a block element 29 or part united to and part of therotatable secondary structure 12. Screws 30 or other suitable fasteningmeans may be employed to fix the annular block 29 to the hub-body 21 ofthe annular secondary structure 12,

so that the block 29 is united to and rotates with the mass of thesecondary structure.

The third main element of the power transmitting mechanism is thenon-rotating stationary housing 13. This housing 13 is contiguous to atleast one of the structures identified at the base annular structure 11and rotatable secondary structure 12. It is preferably contiguous to thestructure aforecharacterized as the master structure; but this is notcritically necessary since hydraulic porting through an intermediate orseparating structure between the master structure and the stationaryhousing may be employed where the two are separated. Stationary housing13 preferably annularly encompasses the axis of rotation of the baseannular structure 11. Indeed, the stationary housing 13 is usuallyradially contiguous and extends annular about a portion of the baseannular structure 11, such as the sleeve 15 thereof.

A critical feature of the stationary housing 13 is that it includes ahydraulic conduit means 31 extending through it, with one end 32 of theconduit means in sealed communication with the hydraulic chamber means23 and 24 of the master structure (e.g., the base annular structure).Suitably, the sealed communication may be through an intermediateadaptor fitting 20. The sealed communication permits transfer ofhydraulic fluid through the conduit means 31 of the stationary housing13 to and from the chamber means 23 and 24 of themaster structure duringrotation of the master structure. Indeed, this transfer of hydraulicfluid is possible during rotation of either or both of the structuresidentified as the base annular structure 11 and the rotatable secondarystructure 12.

Hydraulic control switch means 33, suitably as illustrated in FIGS. 5and 6, permits an operator to move hydraulic fluid through the conduitmeans 31 of the stationary housing 13 to and from the chamber means 23and 24 of the master structure 11. illustratively, the switch mayconsist essentially of a housing member 34 having an internal hydraulicchamber 35 with a membrane or plate member 36 (or other suitable meanssuch as a plunger) for moving hydraulic fluid in and out of the internalchamber 35 (that is, the left ventricle of the view in FIG. 6), througha nozzle fitting or other suitable fitting 37 to which a flexiblehydraulic conduit or hose 38 is connected or fixed. Hydraulic fluidmoves through hose 38, and therefore, to and through conduit means 31 ofthe housing 13. The plate member 36 is fixedly mounted on a shaft 39which extends to the exterior of the chamber 35; and a control handle 40for movement by an operator is fixed to the external projection of theshaft 39.

A critical feature of the invention is that the stationary housing mustinclude at least one hydraulic conduit means 31 extending therethrough,as aforenoted. One such conduit connection to a hydraulic chamber 23 (orto two chambers 23 and 24) of the master structure 11 is sufficient topermit hydraulic fluid to be forced into such hydraulic chamber toeffect coupling between the base annular structure 11 and rotatablesecondary structure 12. Withdrawing hydraulic fluid from such hydraulicchamber (23, 24) through conduit means 31 does create a vacuumcondition, or pulling condition, upon the hydraulically-responsive meanswithin the hydraulic chamber. This suction effect is sometimessufficiently effective to withdraw the hydraulicallyresponsive means(25, 26) and effect unlocking of the coupling means (27, 28),particularly where the sealed nature of the hydraulic passage system fora single conduit hydraulic control is near perfect, or where thesensitivity of the 'hydraulically-responsive member is high (andpreferably where seal means such as O-rings 76 and 77 are omitted so asto allow environmental fluid such as air or water to relieve a vacuumcondition at side 46, 47 of the hydraulically-responsive member 25,26 indevices lacking auxiliary conduits 44,

However, more positive control of coupling means (pin 27 or 28) ispossible when a secondary hydraulic conduit means 41 extends through thestationary housing 13, and when the second conduit means 41 is in sealedcommunication with an auxiliary hydraulic conduit 42 (or passages 42,43) of the master rotatable structure (that is, the base structure 11).The auxiliary passage 42, 43 extends as a continuation passage 44, 45 incommunication with the side 46, 47 of that hydraulically-responsivemeans 25, 26 opposite that of the wall 91, 92 in communication with thehydraulic chamber 23, 24. The second conduit means 41 of the housing 13is connected through flexible hose 48 to a right ventrical or alternatechamber 49 of the switch means 33. Thus, movement of thehydraulically-responsive pistons 25 and 26 can be positively effected ineither direction within the hydraulic cylinder 23, 24 by both hydraulicpressure forces and hydraulic withdrawal or vacuum forces duringrotation of the rotatable structures. The positive shifting of thehydraulicallyresponsive piston 25, 26 effects positive action of eithercoupling or uncoupling.

The rotatable secondary structure 12, in the nature of a hub member 21with propeller fins 22 projecting radially therefrom, is illustrativelymounted on the sleeve member 15 of the base annular structure 11 throughball bearings 50 and 51. The inner races 52 and 53 of each ball bearingsuitably are snugly and immovably fixed annularly upon sleeve 15 forrotation with sleeve 15. The outer races 54 and 55 are snugly orimmoveably fixed to an interior annular groove or recess within the hub21 of the secondary structure 12. Annular shoulders or ridges may beemployed to assist in the mounting and holding of the ball bearings inproper position. For example, the inner race 52 of bearing 50 may begiven a tight: immoveable fit on sleeve 15 against shoulder 56 on sleeve15. The outer race 55 of bearing 51 may be locked or fixed in positionbetween shoulder 57 of an annular recess in hub 21 and the body ofcoupling block 29. This annular block or plate 29, suitably of temperedsteel or other wear and shatter resistant material, is equipped withrecesses 58 for coupling pins 27 and 28 to enter for interlockingof thesecondary structure 12 to the base annular structure 11. Coupling block29 is permanently fixed as by bolts 30 onto the body of the hub 21 ofthe secondary structure 12. Block 29 should snugly fit into hub body 21,or a gasket to seal out water access to the bearings should be used. Inorder to keep water from entering and fouling the lubrication of theball bearings 50 and 51 or other thrust bearings on which the secondarystructure 12 is mounted for optional rotation with the base structure,seals such as O-ring seals 60 and 61 may be employed near longitudinaltermination interfaces between the sleeve member 15 of the base annularstructure 1 1 and the mass of the total secondary structure 12.

For convenience of manufacture, the master structure or base annularstructure 1 l is made up of several parts which are independentlyfabricated and then secured together. Of course, one might manufacturethe entire master structure as a single unit; but this would usuallynecessitate either an extremely small hydraulic chamber means 23 and 24for movement of the hydraulically-responsive pistons 25 and 26, or arelation with the hydraulic means of the stationary housing. Indeed, theport opening from the master structure might have to be equal in sizeand cross sectional shape to the cross-section of a large pistonchamber. It is, however, preferable that the port opening at theinterface or communication between the rotary master structure 1 l andthe stationary housing 13 be no larger than necessary for adequate flowof hydraulic fluid and adequate transfer of hydraulic fluid between theparts. Thus, an adaptor fitting 20 offers a convenient alternate, from apractical manufacturing standpoint, to the less preferred options justaforenoted.

Adaptor fitting 20 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) is equipped with two steppedannular recesses 62 and 63, both of which are radially inward or nearthe axis of rotation for the'adaptor. The annular shoulder 64 of thefirst or outer annular recess 62 is radially outward from the annularshoulder 65 of the inner-most or second annular recess 63. Hydraulicpassages or ports 66, 67, and 68 extend from the shoulder 64 (at theouter annular recess 62) throughthe adaptor fitting 20 to an annulargroove 69 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) on the opposite side of the adaptorfitting 20. This annular groove 69 is illustrated to be in directcommunication with the chamber means 23 (or several chamber means suchas 23 and 24) of the master structure 11 at all times. Further (seeFlGS. l and 4), the adaptor passages 66, 67 and 68 are in communicationwith the exit 32 of the hydraulic conduit 31 of the stationary housing13. The space between shoulder 64 of adaptor recess 62 and the radialedge of the annular projecting ridge 70 of the stationary housing 13preferably is sufficiently great to permit flow of hydraulic fluidbetween conduit 31 of housing 13 and adaptor passages 66, 67 and 68under all conditions of relative orientation between the parts. Sealssuch as O-ring seals 71 and 72 confine hydraulic fluid of conduit 31 ofthe stationary housing 13 to the passages 66, 67 and 68 of the adaptor20, and therefore to the hydraulic chamber means 23 and 24.

The shoulder 65 of the inner-most annular recess 63 of the adaptor 20'(or the inner annulus of the adaptor 20) is equipped with a conduitpassage for hydraulic fluid; and this passage is identified herein as anauxiliary conduit passage. it may be formed simply by providing anenlarged space or groove axially along the interior ring or annulus ofthe adaptor 20 through which the sleeve member of the base annularstructure 11 extends. The auxiliary conduit passage 73 (or passages 73and 74) of the adaptor fitting is in communication with auxiliaryconduit passage 42 (or passages 42 and 43) of the body 18 of the masteror base annular structure 11. Therefore, the auxiliary conduit passage(42 and 73; 43 and 74) communicates with the side of thehydraulically-responsive means or piston (27 and 28) opposite to that ofthe wall (91 and 92) thereof in communication with the hydraulic chambermeans (23 and 24).

The parts of the base annular structure, such as the sleeve 15, the hubbody 18, and the adaptor fitting 20 are all fixedly secured togetheragainst rotation with respect to each other. They rotate as a unit. Thehub body 18 may be fitted so snugly on sleeve 15 as to be non-rotatablewith respect thereto; it may be fitted on the sleeve by splinedinterconnection. The adaptor fitting 20 is suitably ridgedly fixed tothe hub body by screws 75 or the like.

To prevent water or other fouling material from entering the hydraulicsystem along the shaft of coupling pins 27 and 28, O-rings 76 and 77 orother sealing means may be employed. O-ring 71 at the outer extremity ofthe annular recess 62 of adaptor 20 likewise serves a scaling function.

Gaskets 78 and 79 may be employed as sealing means at the interfacebetween the adaptor 20 and the hub body 18 of structure 11. They preventescape of hydraulic fluid and separate or prevent intercommunicationbetween auxiliary conduit passages (42 and 73; 43 and 74) and the mainhydraulic chamber area (23 and 24), or vice versa. Further, O-ring seals80 and 81 are employed about hydraulic pistons 25 and 26 to preventleakage or passage'of hydraulic fluid.

The non-rotating stationary housing 13 suitably comprises an annularhousing about sleeve 15 of the base annular structure 11, with twostepped axiallyprojecting annular ridges 70 and 82 mating into the twostepped recesses 62 and 63 of the adaptor 20. The first or outer annularridge 70 which projects axially from the body 83 of the stationaryhousing 13 has been identified as the ridge or projecting shoulderthrough which the main hydraulic conduit passage 31 and 32 of thestationary housing interconnects to the passages 66, 67 and 68 at theshoulder 64 of the first recess 62 of adaptor 20.

The second (or axially inner and more pronounced annular ridge 82 offthe body 83 of housing 13 serves as a holder for an axially-encompassingroller bearing.

84, which serves both as a spacer for the stationary housing 13 aboutsleeve 15 of the base annular structure 11 and as a means to permit freerotation of the sleeve 15 without effecting rotation of the encompassingstationary housing 13. Still further, the rollers of the roller bearing84 leave sufficient space therebetween so that hydraulic fluid fromauxiliary conduit passages 73 and 74 may flow through the roller bearing84 and lubricate the same as well as pass into a continuation of thegrooved auxiliary conduit passage (identified as passages 85 and 86) inthe stationary housing. Axial grooved passages 85 and 86 are connectedtogether by an internal annular axially-encompassing passage or groovewithin housing 13, and then communicate with the second or auxiliaryconduit passage 41 of housing 13. An O-ring seal 87 or other suitableseal serves to prevent hydraulic fluid from exiting from the spacebetween the body 83 of stationary housing 13 and-the sleeve 15 at thesubstantial end or axial terminus of the unit.

The assembly of the power transmitting mechanism on a water craft powershaft 14 is relatively simple. First, the propeller hub originallymounted on the shaft is removed. Next, an annular fitting (such as abevel threaded nut 88, with an O-ring or other axiallyprojectingabutting 89 member for low-friction contact against housing 13, plus abeveled annular ring of deformable friction packing 90) is pressed orslid along shaft 14. Then, the stationary housing 13 is placed on theshaft, suitably as a separate step from fitting of the remainingelements of the power transmitting mechanism of the shaft. Stationaryhousing 13 is pushed back on the power shaft 14 beyond the location itwill assume after fitting the mechanism for operation on that shaft.Then, the remaining elements of the power transmitting mechanism, as aunit, are fitted on the shaft, with the sleeve 15 preferably having arather snug fita 9 ting on the shaft. Shear pin 16 is then put in place(or sleeve is slotted to accept an embedded one). The

upon friction packing material 90, which grips the power shaft 14 forcommon rotation of the ring assembly 88 and89 with shaft 14. Annularabutting member 89 rests in abutting relationship against the body 83 ofstationary housing 13. Its function is to hold stationary housing in theaxial position illustrated in FIG. 1 during rotation of all parts excepthousing 13. To be recognized, however, is that the spacing of thestationary housing from the rotatable base annular structure 11 (thatis, the adaptor thereof) may vary without loss of operability for thedevice, so long as the annular axially projecting ridges 70 and 82 ofthe stationary housing are within theeffective range of operation forthe O-ring seals 71 and 72. In the just noted arrangement, employingpacking assembly 88, 89 and 90, one may avoid bolting or otherwisemechanically fixing housing 13 to a non-rotating part of the power plantor water craft equipped with the new mechanism. The flexible hydrauliclines or hoses connected to the stationary housing may alone serve tokeep that housing 13 in a substantially non-rotating condition as otherparts rotate.

Alternately, the stationary housing may be braced or bolted to a framemember of the water craft or the motor thereof to hold it in theposition illustrated in FIG. 1. In this way, the special fitting 88, 89and 90 on power shaft 14' may be omitted. i

F lexible conduits 38 and 48 are affixed between housing 13 and controlmechanism 33, with the later mounted at any suitably position within thewater craft.

As the handle of the control switch 33 is shifted to the left in FIG. 6,hydraulic fluid is forced through flexible conduit 38 into conduit 31 ofthe stationary housing 13 and into hydraulic chambers 23 and 24 of thebase annular structure 11, thereby pressing the hydraulically-responsivepistons 25 and 26 to the left in FIG. 1 and forcing the pin couplingmeans 27 and 28 into the recesses 58 and 59 of the secondary structure12 to effect common rotation of the secondary structure 12 with the baseannular structure 11. This interlocking of the base structure 11 to thesecondary structure 12 may be accomplished during continuous rotation ofthe base structure 1 1, preferably while at a lower (or at least not themaximum) rate of rotation for the base structure 11.

Movement of the handle 40 of the control switch means 33 to the right inFIG. 6 withdraws hydraulic fluid from chambermeans 23 and 24 through themain the right in H6. l, and the unlocking of coupling means 27 and 28from recesses 58 and 59 of the secondary structure 12. Reverse movementof handle 40 of switch 33, of course, effects reverse movement ofhydraulic fluid and the interlocking of coupling means 27 and 28 withsecondary structure l2.

Many variations from the specific arrangement illustrated are possible.Coupling means 27 and 28 might be provided with beveled or pointed endsurfaces and recesses 58 and 59 adjusted in shape for accommodation ofthe modified couplers 27 and 28. Propeller projections from the hub ofthe base annular structure 1 1 may be omitted or may be insufficient toeffect any great forward thrust as that part rotates in water, whereasthe size and contour of the propeller tins of the secondary structure 12may effectively generate considerable thrust at the same rate ofrotation. Means between the secondary structure 12 on sleeve member 15of a base annular structure 11 may permit substantially no rotation oronly idler rotation, as'characteristic of the illustrated embodiment) ofthe hub21 of the secondary structure 12 when it is not interlocked asaforenoted with the base annular structure 11. Or such means may cause aslow positive, but graduated down, degree of rotation for the secondarystructure 12 even when it is not per se interlocked as aforenoted withthe base annular structure for common rotation. Thus, the secondarystructure may be adjustably geared'to the base structure for rotation ata reduced speed at all times,

and thereby serve as the propelling force for extremely the power shaft14'. 'Stillother modifications and additions to the teachings hereof maybe employed without departing from the essential features of theinvention.

That which is claimed is: l. A power transmitting mechanism for mountingon a powered rotatable axis shaft, said mechanism comconduit means 66,32, 31, and 38 into the left side 35 6 to a position on the oppositeside or behind the hydraulically-responsive means 25 and 26. The resultis positive movement of responsive means 25 and 26 to prising:

i. a rotatable base annular structure having an axiis of rotation, saidbase structure comprising a sleeve part annularly encompassing said axisof rotation, said sleeve part being adapted to be fitted to a poweredrotatable axis shaft for continuous rotation of said base structure withsaid shaft, with the power for effecting rotation of said base structurebeing transmitted from said powered axis shaft to said base structure,

ii. a rotatable secondary structure contiguous to said base structureandannularly encompassing said axis of rotation, at least a portion of saidsecondary structure being radially contiguous to a portion of saidsleeve part of said base structure, said secondary structure beingoptionally rotatable in common with said base structure,

iii. one of said structures being a master structure including hydraulicchamber means, hydraulically responsive means having a wall incommunication with said chamber means, and coupling means actuated bysaid hydraulically-responsive means, said coupling means beingactuatable during continuous rotation of said base structure tointerlock said secondary structure to said base structure for comiv. anon-rotating stationary housing contiguous to at least one of saidstructures and annularly encompassing said axis of rotation, saidstationary housing including hydraulic conduit means extendingtherethrough, one end of said conduit means being in sealedcommunication with said hydraulic chamber means of said master structureto permit transfer of hydraulic fluid through said conduit means to orfrom said chamber means during rotation of either or both of saidrotatable structures, said sealed communication between said one end ofsaid hydraulic conduit means of said stationary housing and saidhydraulic chamber means of said master structure being radially outwardfrom any axis shaft upon which said base annular structure is fitted.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 additionally including a hydraulic controlswitch means for moving hydraulic fluid through said conduit means ofsaid stationary housing to or from said chamber means.

3. The mechanism of claim 2 additionally including a flexible hydraulicconduit connection between said control switch means and said conduitmeans of said stationary housing.

4. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said master structure comprises saidbase annular structure.

5. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said hydrauli- 'cally-responsivemeans comprises a piston member.

6. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said coupling means comprises a pinmember.

7. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said secondary structure comprises ahub member with propeller fins projecting radially therefrom.

8. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said base annular structurecomprises a hub member with propeller fins projecting radiallytherefrom. I

9. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said sleeve part of said baseannular structure is adapted to be snugly fitted over the propellerpower shaft of an outboard motor, and wherein said stationary housing iscontiguous radially to a portion of said sleeve part for at least aportion of said stationary housing.

10. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said stationary housing includes asecond hydraulic conduit means extending therethrough and where saidmaster structure includes auxiliary conduit passage for hydraulic fluidon the side of said hydraulically-responsive means opposite to that ofthe wall thereof in communication with said chamber means, with saidsecond hydraulic conduit means in sealed communication with saidauxiliary conduit passage to permit transfer of hydraulic fluid throughsaid second hydraulic conduit means to or from said opposite side ofsaid hydraulicallyresponsive means during rotation of either or bothsaid rotatable structures.

11. The mechanism of claiml wherein at least said one end of saidhydraulic conduit means of said stationary housing is located radiallyoutward from a portion of said base annular structure.

I I UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 51Dated March 97 lnventms) CLEMENT 0. DU FRENE It is certified that errorappears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below:

Column '5, line 7, "annular" should read annularly Column 10, line MI,"axiis" should read axis Signed and sealed this 15th of August 197(SEAL) Attest: I

McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents USCOMM'DC 60376-P69 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: ISISO-Qil-lll.

FORM PC4050 (IO-69)

1. A power transmitting mechanism for mounting on a powered rotatableaxis shaft, said mechanism comprising: i. a rotatable base annularstructure having an axiis of rotation, said bAse structure comprising asleeve part annularly encompassing said axis of rotation, said sleevepart being adapted to be fitted to a powered rotatable axis shaft forcontinuous rotation of said base structure with said shaft, with thepower for effecting rotation of said base structure being transmittedfrom said powered axis shaft to said base structure, ii. a rotatablesecondary structure contiguous to said base structure and annularlyencompassing said axis of rotation, at least a portion of said secondarystructure being radially contiguous to a portion of said sleeve part ofsaid base structure, said secondary structure being optionally rotatablein common with said base structure, iii. one of said structures being amaster structure including hydraulic chamber means,hydraulically-responsive means having a wall in communication with saidchamber means, and coupling means actuated by saidhydraulically-responsive means, said coupling means being actuatableduring continuous rotation of said base structure to interlock saidsecondary structure to said base structure for common rotation with saidbase structure, and being actuatable during said continuous rotation ofsaid base structure to disengage said secondary structure from theaforesaid interlocked condition, and iv. a non-rotating stationaryhousing contiguous to at least one of said structures and annularlyencompassing said axis of rotation, said stationary housing includinghydraulic conduit means extending therethrough, one end of said conduitmeans being in sealed communication with said hydraulic chamber means ofsaid master structure to permit transfer of hydraulic fluid through saidconduit means to or from said chamber means during rotation of either orboth of said rotatable structures, said sealed communication betweensaid one end of said hydraulic conduit means of said stationary housingand said hydraulic chamber means of said master structure being radiallyoutward from any axis shaft upon which said base annular structure isfitted.
 2. The mechanism of claim 1 additionally including a hydrauliccontrol switch means for moving hydraulic fluid through said conduitmeans of said stationary housing to or from said chamber means.
 3. Themechanism of claim 2 additionally including a flexible hydraulic conduitconnection between said control switch means and said conduit means ofsaid stationary housing.
 4. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said masterstructure comprises said base annular structure.
 5. The mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein said hydraulically-responsive means comprises a pistonmember.
 6. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said coupling meanscomprises a pin member.
 7. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein saidsecondary structure comprises a hub member with propeller finsprojecting radially therefrom.
 8. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein saidbase annular structure comprises a hub member with propeller finsprojecting radially therefrom.
 9. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein saidsleeve part of said base annular structure is adapted to be snuglyfitted over the propeller power shaft of an outboard motor, and whereinsaid stationary housing is contiguous radially to a portion of saidsleeve part for at least a portion of said stationary housing.
 10. Themechanism of claim 1 wherein said stationary housing includes a secondhydraulic conduit means extending therethrough and where said masterstructure includes auxiliary conduit passage for hydraulic fluid on theside of said hydraulically-responsive means opposite to that of the wallthereof in communication with said chamber means, with said secondhydraulic conduit means in sealed communication with said auxiliaryconduit passage to permit transfer of hydraulic fluid through saidsecond hydraulic conduit means to or from said opposite side of saidhydraulically-responsive means during rotation of either or both saidrotatable structures.
 11. The mechanism of claim 1 wherein at least saidone end of said hydraulic cOnduit means of said stationary housing islocated radially outward from a portion of said base annular structure.